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CRITICISM THROUGH LOVE

Definition of Criticism:

To find fault with: criticized the decision as unrealistic.

To judge the merits and faults of; analyze and evaluate.

We don’t need a special gift or powerful discernment to see our faults and weaknesses in people. Whether it’s with our appearance or abilities, we know we have faults and weaknesses. We are all somewhat aware of what we lack. We know we sometimes do wrong and fall short. When I ask people, “What are your weaknesses?”, 95% of the time they will quickly give me a list. The sad thing is that when I say, “okay, now what are your strengths?” Most of the time they have a lot of trouble giving me this list. Many times they will ask me to help because they can’t think of any, so I quickly give them a list. After doing this, they realize how difficult it was to think of their strengths and it’s at that time that I ask, “Why is it so easy for you to give me a list of your weaknesses yet so hard for you to share your strengths?”

What is Self-Criticism?

Self-criticism is something that can rob and kill your life. I’m not talking about self-examination, which is what I want to encourage you to do.

Self-examination is self-criticism through love. Speaking the truth in love. It’s truth that empowers.

Self-Examination is necessary to keep us advancing in every area of our lives.

Self-Examination is looking at yourself and being honest about who you are and who you are not (true humility).

Self-examination is to clearly look at yourself and life in order to be most effective in your stewarding your life in a way that has direction & purpose.

Self-examination isn’t fault-finding but rather potential finding.

I believe that the level of self-criticism I see in a person is an indicator of how capable that person is to love those around them. I have noticed that the people who are hard on themselves are usually hard on those around them. How they feel about themselves is a main ingredient in how they will treat others.

If you can see your faults and weaknesses, great! This means you are not in denial. The key is, DO NOT dwell on them. Look past the problem into the potential. Anyone can see the problem. You don’t need to be gifted to do that. To be able to see past the problem and into the potential means being intentional. This also applies when looking at others. Instead of reacting or getting annoyed with others’ faults and weaknesses, see past those problems and into their potential.

Applying this principle will change your life. It gets you to live in a constantly renewed mind that sees good. What you behold, you will become. If you focus on good, you become better but if you focus on the negatives, they will hold you back and take you down.